Preemptive by Douglas Grant

Growing up in Manhattan, Zack McCrady did not have an easy life. First, his father died in a skiing accident. Then his mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Eventually Zack was left orphaned, and his big sister Jenny took over parenting and provided him with the unconditional love he craves. But after Jenny's death during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York, Zack begins spending his days pondering his rage toward Al-Qaeda , his dark feelings toward his own government , and his enduring pain and inner turmoil. On the other side of the world, Afghanistan is rotting from within . The Soviets have withdrawn and, technically, the Mujaheddin have won. Hakeem Rashid , raised by a surrogate father since infancy, is bright and gifted and knows the lessons of the Koran in depth . Despite growing up in war torn Herat, Hakeem has managed to remain civilized and with a sense of purpose, but when Hakeem's real father returns , everything is subject to change. Zack is involved in a violent crime . Hakeem has become his father's minion. As two men on opposite sides of the world battle intense psychological tumult , one of them is about to uncover a truth that will change him forever.

Hardcover, 2010 Goodreads: 4.09